Not only useful Wendilla but also far better quality than the things you bought to replace them! Unfortunately we're all becoming so obsessed with making everything smaller and more portable/convenient that we're sacrificing quality.
If you were to get the vinyl, it would sound great. The transfer to the computer (either as an MP3 or an audio CD) would be noticeably tinnier, flatter and generally "less rich"
But that may be your only option. There are companies out there (on eBay etc) that will convert it for you.